I also have a 6 kg max load machine. I recently took mine to the cleaners cos I didn´t think it´d fit at home.

But, your situation is different . Why don´t you give it a go in your machine, and if it doesn´t fit or comes out not smelling very nice, you can dry it off and take it to the professionals later. I´m sure you won´t do any damage to the machine, it just won´t clean as well as it could.

Well, I managed to get it in but don't think I'll be able to get it out. It is a very tight squeeze. Perhaps I'll wait till DP comes home and if he says it's ok, then the blame can fall squarely on his shoulders. And I will adhere to the first rule of mumsnet. You DO NOT talk abot mumsnet. Nobody need ever know.

He's fine now, thank you. He was a little frightened afterwards but soon perked up and is getting into mischief again. It's nap time now so I'm also going to have a little lie down before the school run. I'll update later on the next chapter in this scintillating saga.

Hi there - where do you live? I run a duvet washing service in Surrey and offer free collection and delivery and a same day turnaround. If you're in Surrey I may be able to help if you haven't sorted it already! Email me at: nicola@samedayduvet.co.uk